Thursday, September 20, 2012

Canadian University Suspends Baseball Team For Hazing

Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario has suspended its varsity baseball team for a minimum of four games for hazing- a violation of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct.

The university says the hazing violated the school's student-athlete code of conduct.
The Golden Hawks baseball team is 4-4 this season with 12 games remaining.
There is a chance the ban could be extended to the whole season, but school officials said they wanted to first give the team a chance to make their case for playing out the remaining games of their season.

The school is asking for a "meaningful rationale" as to why they should finish the year.

"Our Student Athlete Code of Conduct makes it clear that Laurier will not tolerate any form of hazing among our varsity athletes," said David McMurray, vice-president of Student Affairs. "While a full-season suspension is justifiable based on an investigation of the incident, we believe it is important to offer these student athletes the opportunity to engage in a more meaningful learning opportunity that, in addition to tangible consequences, encourages reflection and accountability."

"If teams defy the university's zero-tolerance policy on hazing, then they will be denied the privilege to play for the Golden Hawks," said Peter Baxter, Laurier's director of Athletics and Recreation. "It is a tough lesson that must be learned but a necessary one so that we ensure the culture of hazing is eradicated."

Here's highlights of some of their season to date... ((HT: LaurierAthletics))